RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove LCK Virus (.[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

LCK – Ransomware

The LCK stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Dharma ransomware family. LCK was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. LCK adds the “.[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by LCK, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, LCK places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by LCK text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Dharma type. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by LCK is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of LCK is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with LCK ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack LCK ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameLCK Ransomware
File Extension.[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [triplock@tutanota.com].LCK extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsGtsc, Zxcv, Dme
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to LCK ransomware. It is similar Gtsc and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute LCK virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely LCK injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically LCK ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing LCK infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may describe various email spam methods to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in LCK virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes causing LCK secret installation. Lastly, injection of LCK may take place by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of LCK ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First off, be really cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to essential damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the LCK text file:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED:

Don\'t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email triplock@tutanota.com YOUR ID -
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:triplock@cock.li
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
======================================

FILES ENCRYPTED.txt:

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email triplock@tutanota.com or triplock@cock.li

Screenshot of files with “.[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK” extension added by the ransomware:
LCK Ransomware - encrypt files with .[triplock@tutanota.com].LCK extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LCK ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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